Ask Your Memphis Dentist: How to Choose the Best Toothbrush

To say there are a lot of toothbrushes on the market today is an understatement. When people go to buy toothbrushes, they often encounter rows upon rows of options. And figuring out which is right for you can be a challenge.

In general, toothbrushes are available in two primary categories: electric and manual.

An electric toothbrush typically requires charging or batteries and does some (but not all!) of the work for you. Electric toothbrushes also come in multiple varieties based on their movement type. For example, some rotate (like the spin brushes), others oscillate (like the Sonicare line), and a few even do both.

A manual toothbrush relies more heavily on elbow grease to get the job done, as it features no moving parts.

Whether you want to go with an electric or manual brush depends partially on personal preference. Often, electric toothbrushes are more expensive, but they may make the task of brushing your teeth easier. However, you can effectively clean your teeth with a manual brush, as long as you use the proper technique. Just make sure, no matter which you choose, that the toothbrush has an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.

Bristle Type

Usually, toothbrushes come with one of three bristle types: soft, medium, or hard. However, by and large, choosing soft bristles is the best course of action.

Medium or hard bristles, particularly for people who apply a lot of pressure when brushing, can actually damage the tooth enamel, gums, and root surface. A soft bristle brush lowers these risks, and are perfectly capable of getting your teeth clean.

If you want to be extra cautious, look for a soft bristle brush that also features rounded tips.

Toothbrush Head Size

Toothbrush heads come in different sizes, largely based on how the brush is structured and whether it was designed with adults or children in mind.

Ideally, you want to find a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and can reach “hard to reach” areas like the back of your molars.

Since sizing isn’t universal, it can take a little experimentation to determine what size is right for you. However, if you’re in doubt, you can always err on the side of smaller, and even choose a children’s toothbrush if adult-sized brushes are uncomfortable.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush?

The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as a general guideline. However, if your bristles are fraying or bending, then you need to change it out sooner.

Still Not Sure Which is Best?

If you’re having trouble determining which toothbrush is right for you, your Memphis dentist can help. They can discuss available options that will work with your budget, ensuring you have the right tools on-hand to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.